Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) Service
How to refer for ISVA Support Before You Make a Referral to Our ISVA Service – Please Read.
RASA Merseyside’s Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) Service offers specialist support to adults affected by sexual violence.
We do not provide crisis support.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
For urgent mental health support, contact your local crisis team:
If the incident happened recently and you wish to undergo a forensic medical examination, please contact the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC):
Who We Can Support. We accept referrals for individuals who are:
- Aged 18 or over (For support for those under 18, please visit our Children’s Services )
- Living in Wirral, Sefton, or Liverpool
- Survivors of any form of sexual violence, including harassment — whether recent or historic
We Are Unable to Accept Referrals for Individuals who:
- Do not meet the above eligibility criteria
- Are in current mental health crisis
- Are actively suicidal or have made a suicide attempt within the past 3 months
- Have recently experienced psychosis (within the last 12 months
- Are currently an inpatient under primary mental health care
- Have been admitted/discharged multiple times from psychiatric hospitals in the past 12 months
- Are not seeking support for sexual violence recovery as their main issue (e.g. bereavement, terminal illness, etc.)
- Are under investigation for or convicted of sexual violence or assault. RASA does not support perpetrators. For support, please visit:
- Are being referred again within 8 weeks of case closure due to non-engagement. In such cases, only self-referrals from the client will be considered. Professional referrals must show clear evidence of the client’s willingness to engage
Please Ensure Referrals are made only when the individual is ready and able to engage with ISVA support. This helps us deliver timely, meaningful support to those most in need.
